In the depths of the North Central Province in Sri Lanka is located Ritigala Forest, an area full of mysteries, history, and natural splendor. Ritigala mountain range, located in the dry lands of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, is a natural reserve and archaeological site. This area hosts numerous flora and fauna, archaeological remains, and myths which combine the elements of nature, spiritual beliefs, and history.
The Geography and Climate of Ritigala
Another one of the beautiful mountains is the Ritigala Mountain of Sri Lanka. The mountain top is 6.5 km long. The mountain top is located at an elevation of 2513 ft (766 m) above the sea level and 2000 ft (600 m) above the plains.Ritigala Mountain or Aritta Pabbata is the highest mountain of the northern region of Sri Lanka. The area gets 150 mm of rain during the northeast monsoon period.
A Brief Look into History
The history of Ritigala goes back to the Anuradhapura-Polonnaru Kingdom period, which is more than 2000 years old. It was also used as a meditation monastery by monks for a while.Inscriptions and archaeological findings from the area have proved that these monastery complexes were renovated by King Sena I.
Architecture and Archaeological Marvels
The Ritigala Monastery Complex epitomizes Sri Lankan architecture in its true glory. The entire structure is built according to the topography of the mountain, thus making it perfectly blend with the natural surroundings of the forest. Anyone visiting the monastery on the stone paths will see evidence of the bathing pools, meditation halls, and stone bridges which are all built from huge stones, precisely fitted together without the use of any mortar.
An important architectural feature is that of the “double-platform meditation complex,” which consists of two platforms built of stones joined together by means of a short bridge. According to historical records, it is said that the monks conducted their meditation and rituals on these platforms.
Myths and Legends
Ritigala’s aura of mysticism becomes even stronger with the myths surrounding it. As per the Sri Lankan mythology, Ritigala had its association with the legend of Ramayana in the past. It is believed that when Hanuman, the monkey-god carried with him the mountain of the Himalayas containing the medicinal herbs for Lakshmana, one part of it fell in Sri Lanka.
